FY17 Budget Process Underway

Hello SSVT Community,

As we approach a well-deserved vacation and end of 2015 I want to inform you that SSVT is beginning to build its budget for the 2016-2017 school year.  Our department heads have submitted requests for supplies and equipment and this past Wednesday night I presented a FY17 budget proposal to our school committee.  The entire budget process will take several months and involves our school committee and our eight district towns.

This budget increase includes the funds needed to maintain current curriculum and technology in our academic and vocational technical areas, as well as funds facilities projects to help keep our school modern and responsive to student and staff needs.

In addition to the budget presentation for 2016-2017, there is also a narrated Long Range Facilities Plan that highlights the many projects that have been completed since the summer and the many projects planned for the future.

Both items are posted to our school website: www.ssvotech.org.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.

---Mr. Hickey

Vocational Education is the Focus on Radio Boston

Hello SSVT Community,

On Wednesday, Upper Cape Tech Superintendent Bob Dutch and Northeastern University Economist Barry Bluestone appeared on Radio Boston (WBUR, 90.9 FM) to discuss how there is a great demand for vocational education statewide and how a recent study commissioned by the Massachusetts School Building Authority points out how a majority of jobs needed in Massachusetts through 2022 will not require a college degree.  Listen to the 15 minute interview here.  It is an excellent discussion of this topic.

I hope this conversation and the release of this report will lead to further discussions about how to increase student access to high quality vocational technical education.

For me, "access" starts with giving middle school students (in grades 6-8) and their parents time to learn more about careers (You can't pigeonhole an 11 year old into choosing a specific trade area, but you can get them thinking about the ways they like to learn the the things they like to do!).  This will require even more collaboration with our sending schools and direct support from the state department of education.  Maybe with less testing time, there would be more time to fit this in?

Access also includes having modern vocational technical school buildings for our students.  While we work hard to keep our 53 year old school in tip top shape, it becomes increasingly challenging to maintain a building and ensure that we have current instructional technology and equipment.  To support our school, we have applied to the MSBA to fund a building expansion and renovation project.  It is a lengthy process but I will keep you posted

---Mr. Hickey

Important Information for Our Students: What Employers Look For When Hiring

Hello SSVT Community,

Recently a local employer who is a member of one of our vocational advisory committees answered this question: 

"What does an employer look for in a candidate?"

Here is his answer:

• Positive attitude
  
• Always taking care of the customer- no excuses not to follow up with customers and find answer in a timely manner.  Being solution driven will allow sales to follow because customers are happy.
  
• Respect for co-workers and management.  Know that if you do not do your job, a fellow employee will have to pick up your slack.  Feel empathy know how your actions can negatively and positively affect the work environment daily.
  
• Willingness to learn and be humble.  If unsure ask questions.
  
• Look beyond the immediate situation to see issues/answers in future
  
• Not being satisfied with just doing the minimum to not get in trouble at work.  Go above and beyond each time. [P]eople do notice.
  
• Be professional and arrive on time.

There are SO MANY skills beyond your technical knowledge that are important to employers.  If you can fulfill all of these characteristics and bring a solid technical foundation to each job you have, I know you will be successful!

---Mr. Hickey

Well Attended November Program Advisory Meeting

Hello SSVT Community,

Last night on November 5th we hosted program advisors for our annual Fall Meeting.  Culinary Arts students provided us with a wonderful meal!  The lecture hall was filled with students, parents, industry and post-secondary advisors.  Many of those in attendance were graduates who have continued to work in their trade area.

I want to thank all those in attendance for their commitment to SSVT and a commitment to long range planning for future curriculum and equipment needs.  It helps to keep our school's programs on the cutting edge.  We now enter the budget building phase for the 2016-2017 school year and the advisory committee input on vocational technical budget requests is very important.

We are always looking for new industry advisors so if you know anyone who is working in a field related to any of our 14 vocational technical programs who might be interested in volunteering to be part of one of our committees, please contact me.  Meetings are held twice per school year.

---Mr. Hickey

Newspaper Article on School Committee Representative Kenny Thayer of Cohasset

Hello SSVT Community,

In this week's Mariner newspapers, there is a great article spotlighting our School Committee Representative from Cohasset, Mr. Kenny Thayer.

Mr. Thayer graduated from SSVT and also sent his son to SSVT.  He previously served on our Advisory Board before becoming a school committee representative.

The article does a great job explaining the special mission that our students and staff members fulfill every day at SSVT!

---Mr. Hickey

Article on SSVT Students and Grads in Mariner Newspaper

Hello SSVT Community,

I'm so proud of our students and graduates who are making great strides in the workforce.  Check out this article in the Norwell Mariner.

Cooperative education (Co-op) can be a powerful part of your SSVT experience.  Students, please talk to your teachers, counselors, Mr. Carll or Mrs. Collins about the benefits of co-op and the process you would need to follow to get on co-op.  While it is mostly a 12th grade experience, you can start setting goals now!

Also, to parents of 11th and 12th graders, there will be a co-op informational session at Meet Your Child's Teacher Night if you would like more information.

Thank you,

Mr. Hickey

Opening Year Welcome to Parents

September 8, 2015

Hello SSVT Parents ,

I hope you and your families have enjoyed the delights of the summer season!   I’d like to offer an early welcome to the 2015-16 school year.  For the past 22 years as a teacher and administrator I’ve been fortunate to start my school years at South Shore Vo-Tech, and I am looking forward to all that our students are going to experience and accomplish this year.  

Our staff members have been working hard to prepare the school so it will provide your children with the best learning environment possible.  This preparation includes maintaining a safe, clean building with shops and classrooms that are modern, spacious and focused on giving students the resources they need to actively engage with their subject matter.  

Our custodial crew and summer staff have done an excellent job!  For our returning students you will find new flooring in our school restaurant and in our science wing, along with significant renovations in our Electronics, Cosmetology and Graphic Communications programs.  Click here to see a video presentation of our summer work.

Our instructional and administrative staff are excited to meet (and get reacquainted with) our new 9th graders.  We hope that we have provided valuable orientation sessions for new students and families so that their start of the school year is as smooth as possible.  

As a parent of a 9th grader and a 6th grader, this is a big transition year in my home as both of my sons are moving up to new schools.  As a parent I look forward to being informed about upcoming events and helping my kids get ready for their new routines and school expectations.  I know you want the same for your children.  

At SSVT, we know that regional vocational schools must maintain excellent customer service and responsiveness to families needs.  In many cases our school is not just “right down the street” from your homes.  Rest assured, we will use all of the tools we have available to stay connected with you.  A school community thrives with we are there for each other, and that relationship is built through every phone call, conversation, email, text, school event and meeting.

Whether your child in is grade 9, 10, 11 or 12. I hope you will take a few simple steps to stay connected with SSVT:

• Access Power School so you can access your child’s progress in their courses.
• Download our School App
• Explore our school website, www.ssvotech.org to see what resources we have available.
• Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.  My Twitter account is @SSVTSuper.

If you have any questions or concerns that I can address, feel free to contact me at school, 781-878-8822, x 417 or via email at thickey@ssvotech.org

Best wishes for the start of the school year on Thursday!